Barcelona ready to bring in 'greatly exciting' signing as Joan Laporta dismisses La Liga president's warning ahead of Nico Williams arrival

Barcelona president Laporta spoke before the Barcelona Senate on Tuesday, where he addressed the club's prevalent financial issues as well as their transfer plans for this summer. Laporta confirmed that the Catalans have returned to the 1:1 rule, which will allow them to make a signing that "excites" them, despite a recent warning from La Liga president Javier Tebas that they are not in a position to register new players.

The current La Liga champions have already announced the arrival of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia for a €25 million (£20m/$28m) fee. Sporting director Deco has constantly been in touch with the agents of Nico Williams, and Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that Barca have reached a personal agreement with the Athletic Club talisman on a six-year deal, with club-to-club talks regarding the payment of the Spaniard's €62m (£53m/$71m) release clause set to follow. It goes without saying that Laporta was talking about Williams as the signing that "greatly excites" the club.

Speaking on the club's transfer plans, Laporta said: "We're about to make a signing that will be imminent, and another one whose arrival we're greatly excited about. The fact that we're at 1:1 allows us to make signings normally, and we'll continue along these lines."

La Liga chief Tebas revealed earlier this week that La Blaugrana would have to make sales and make room on the wage bill to sign someone like Williams without any hassle. However, Laporta's latest statements will have come as a huge relief to the club and its fans, as they aim to strengthen their team further ahead of the 2025-26.